Welsh Rugby Union Referees

An integral part of every game of rugby played ranging from the international stage to community and age grade spheres, referees and match officials perform the pivotal role in ensuring that Wales's national sport, and arguably chief love continues to thrive week in, week out. Though the men in the middle may sometimes appear to have a thankless job, the vocation of match refereeing offers social, health and fitness benefits to the individuals who take up these important positions.

Refereeing dictates that you are at the heart of the action on the playing field; effectively: no referee, no match. This fast-paced and challenging role draws not only ex-players and coaches into the realms of match refereeing but also supporters and spectators who want to be closer to the action.

Referees require excellent management skills and the ability to make crucial decisions under, at times, large amounts of pressure. Referees uphold the laws of the game not only to guarantee a fair contest but also, as in scrummaging, to keep the game clean and safe. A sound knowledge of the game of rugby and good degree of general fitness are also desirable for this adrenaline-fuelled and highly rewarding role but can be picked up easily enough with practice.

The varying levels of refereeing courses delivered by the WRU enable prospective referees and touch judges to start, or build on, the skills necessary to become a bona fide, qualified match official. If you relish the thought of providing an invaluable service to players and supporters alike, maintaining your fitness levels within a purposeful role and perhaps rising to the top of the refereeing rankings, check out the refereeing courses online today.

Referees Academy

The Referees Academy was officially formed in January 2011. It was formed to ensure those referees who are showing potential to reach the upper tiers of officiating are provided with the necessary specialist support in a variety of areas ranging from fitness, diet and nutrition to game management and analysis. By providing these key criteria referees have every opportunity of achieving that goal.

The key aim is to provide the game with a constant flow of quality Welsh match ffficials who are capable of performing at the highest level.

The academy comes under the High Performance Department run by Joe Lydon at the Welsh Rugby Union. It is run by the experienced staff within the Referees Department with Nigel Owens (Academy Coach) and Nigel Whitehouse (Referee Performance and Development Officer) to the fore.

We look ahead to the French tests in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We look ahead to Wales France with Warren Gatland, Sam Warburton, Scott Baldwin, Rhys Webb and Jonathan Davies. Wales Women are the only team in red still unbeaten in this Six Nations, we speak to captain Rachel Taylor. Wales U20 are looking bounce back from defeat in Scotland, we hear from coach Jason Strange, captain Rory Thornton and front rower Dillon Lewis.

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton look ahead to this week's crunch RBS 6 Nations tie against France, where the Wales skipper in particular is keen to make his mark, as Paris has proved a bleak place for him in the past.

Reaction from Scotland and a special focus on Welsh Women's rugby in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We hear from Wales captain Sam Warburton and coach Warren Gatland, as well as Wales U20 reaction from forwards coach Geraint Lewis, along with Josh Adams and Olly Griffiths. There is also a special focus on Welsh Women's rugby with coach Rhys Edwards, as well as hearing from clubs Bedlinog, Penybanc, Kidwelly and Skewen. We also speak to volunteer of the year, Sue Davies on Whitland and the Scarlets.

Following their historic win over England, Wales Under 20 suffered a narrow, 36-34 loss to their Scottish counterparts last weekend, despite outscoring them by five tries to three. Watch the match highlights and reaction.

Disappointment at the Millennium Stadium, but don't be sad because two out of three is not bad in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast as the 20s and Women both win. We hear from Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alun Wyn Jones, Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny about the defeat to England and looking forward to Scotland. Wales U20s captain Ollie Griffiths, back Josh Adams and forwards coach Geraint Lewis talk about their victory over double world champions England, while Wales Women also beat a world championship winning England team - we speak to backs Elinor Snowsill, Ade Taviner and Laurie Harris.

Twelve players have been released back to their respective regions by the Wales national squad. The players will be available for selection for their region this weekend and will re-join the national squad next Monday (March 9)